Why not park on the street in summer

Why it is not a good idea to park on the street in summer

The first reason that may come to mind for avoiding parking on the street during the summer is the high temperatures. But do we know all the consequences that excessive heat can have on our vehicles? And it is not only the heat that can be harmful to our car, there are more reasons.

Vandalism

In summer, our cars are also more exposed to deliberate damage, as vandals feel safer when they see emptier streets. They can also suffer accidental scratches or bumps, especially when we leave them in very busy or crowded areas, as is often the case with holiday destinations. Once again, parking is the best option, both for long and shorter stays in this case.

High temperatures

With summers like this one, in which cities all over Spain are exceeding 40 degrees, parking on the street can pose a major risk. With these temperatures, the outside of the vehicle can reach up to 80 degrees. This can damage the bodywork and cause problems with the spark plugs, air filter and tyres. In addition, it can cause serious burns. It is also dangerous to get inside the car in these conditions. Dizziness can occur due to the sudden change in temperature, and some elements, such as seat belt buckles, can also burn you.

The main advice is to use a sunshade to prevent direct sunlight from entering the inside of the car, as well as protecting the steering wheel with a cover. It is also important to air the car before starting it, so that the temperature drops gradually before turning on the air conditioning.

Finding a shady place can be difficult and is not always a good idea. Especially if we leave it in a tree-lined area, where the vehicle is exposed to tree resin, pollen and bird droppings.

Weather conditions

Although summer is the driest season, especially in the southern half of Spain, it is important to keep an eye out for occasional adverse weather conditions. The well-known summer storms can be accompanied by hail, which can cause serious damage to cars. At the end of last July, areas of Castellón and southern Catalonia suffered heavy hailstorms that dented dozens of car bodies and smashed car windows.

In addition, we expose our vehicles to flash floods that can cause serious damage. What is more, if these storms are accompanied by calima, also typical of summer, it can leave our cars completely dirty. For this reason, it is advisable to keep an eye on weather forecasts during this time of year. If we see storms approaching, it is advisable not to park on the street and to find shelter for our cars in a car park. At APPARKYA, we make it easy to access a parking space in such circumstances, as you can do so by booking through our Apparkya application or our booking portal